Security challenges and climatic uncertainties have been cited as the major hindrances in addressing malnutrition among children and mothers within the reproductive stage in Garissa County.
According to Dr Farah Hassa Amin, the Garissa County director of medical services, several health facilities that address malnutrition in the volatile county have been incapacitated as a result of insecurity. He says drought has also been a limiting factor in stepping up the fight against malnutrition in young children aged five and below.
“We have actually seen a number of interested players involved in addressing malnutrition here and there is need to devise an action plan for all our concerned partners so that fight gets coordinated in one platform,” he said.
Dr Hassan, however, adds that a number of medical personnel had been dispatched to Hulugho and Fafi sub counties which are among the most affected regions. The two border sub counties have been hard hit by insecurity caused by frequent attacks by Al Shabaab.
Malnutrition in the Northern Kenya has emerged as a bigger threat to sustainable development goals since it affects education of children. To fully address the situation, there is need to sensitize and involve local communities in the fight.